The scent: Vanilla

Why: Here's a tip for family gatherings: burn a vanilla-scented candle, or spritz on a vanilla perfume. A study published in the Proceedings of ISOT/JASTS shows that one whiff of a vanilla bean caused an increase in joy and relaxation. Participants rated vanilla as having a positive, non-stimulating, relaxing effect. That in itself is reason enough to make vanilla pound cake your go-to contribution to your family holiday parties.

Where to find it: Strange Invisible Perfumes Magazine Street, Elizabeth and James Nirvana Black, Juicy Couture Viva La Juicy